Melbourne Hotels and Attractions

Explore Melbourne

Gardens, fashion, and food-lover’s paradise: Visit sophisticated, cosmopolitan Melbourne for the latest trends in fashion and the arts, enviable gardens, and some of the continent’s finest dining. Book hotel rooms for less with our great Melbourne hotel deals.

What to expect

When to go

If possible, avoid the winter months (June through August) when it can be very cold and rainy. At any time, be prepared to experience four seasons in one day--dress in layers, you’ll most likely be peeling something on or off. Melbourne Cup Day, held the first Tuesday in November, is a prime horse-racing, cultural, and social event, that rivets the nation (ladies, don your best hat!). The Melbourne International Film Festival (June/July) and the Melbourne Fringe Festival (September/October) are other popular events.

Must see sights

Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne: This esteemed sanctuary is home to over 12,000 species of plants and includes the National Herbarium of Victoria, an ornamental lake, children’s garden, and water conservation garden.

Melbourne Zoo: Melbourne’s renowned zoo shelters more than 350 wildlife species in lovely botanical settings. On display are elephants, gorillas, tigers, a collection of Australian animals, and many, many more.

Queen Victoria Market: Opened in 1878, the iconic Queen Vic is presumably the largest and oldest market in the Southern Hemisphere. Explore the myriad historic buildings and stalls for a plethora of specialty foods, fresh produce, and other goods.

Insider tips

Melbourne’s clubs and pubs have launched many big name talents. Although the city has trendy nightclubs and large concert venues, pay a visit to the pubs and temporary spaces in the suburbs (often the best of the best).

Foodies can savour an enormous range of international and contemporary cuisines and Victorian wines and beers. Locals head to restaurants in the Fitzroy, Carlton, and Richmond districts.

For cutting-edge fashion and regional arts and crafts, skip the big shopping centres and explore the narrow laneways in the city centre, the inner suburbs, and the artist cooperatives.